Fighting cancer, empowering women

FRESNO, Calif. -- Several organizations are rallying together to fight cancer while helping women empower other women.

The Susan G Komen Central Valley group and six other affiliates are working to specifically help African American woman detect cancer at an early stage. That's because organizers say they tend to be diagnosed with a higher stage of breast cancer than other women.

An event held at Gaston Middle School on Saturday offered services to low-income families get access to potentially life-saving care.

"It's very important because a lot of women cannot afford one. But they don't take time to see if they're eligible for assistance. But they would be women that are covered through the straight medical or Every Women Counts program," said Sharon Johnson, Susan G. Komen Central Valley Executive Director.

This is the first year the groups have come together for this event. The Susan G Komen Central Valley group hopes to host three events a year from now on.